№15 Jacobo Torsello Tower of Genoese fortress, Medieval defense tower in Sudak, Crimea.
The Jacobo Torsello Tower is a medieval defense structure with solid stone walls approximately two meters thick and rises about fifteen meters above the fortress grounds. The building features multiple levels and displays the sturdy construction typical of Genoese coastal fortifications.
Built in 1385, the tower was part of the Genoese trading colony's defenses along the Black Sea coast. It protected Mediterranean merchant routes and represented the peak of Genoese power in the region.
The tower displays Latin inscriptions and heraldic symbols recording the names of Genoese consuls who oversaw its construction. These markings remain visible today and show how a trading power managed its far-reaching colonies.
Access the tower through the northeastern entrance of the fortress complex by crossing a bridge over a defensive trench. Plan your visit for earlier in the day when crowds are lighter and light conditions are best for exploring.
The tower stands on an ancient coral reef formation that provides a natural elevation advantage for surveying the surrounding territory. This geological feature made the location strategically valuable since ancient times for anyone seeking to control the coast.
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